Garhwal Post Bureau
Syanachatti (Uttarkashi), 22 Aug: The government today claimed that concerted efforts are underway to release water from the artificial lake formed in Syanachatti in district Uttarakshi. According to the government, the teams from the Public Works Department (PWD), State Disaster Response Force, Irrigation Department and other concerned agencies are actively engaged in opening a section of the lake. Within the past hour, the water level has reportedly receded by nearly two feet, indicating progress in the ongoing operation.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, to coordinate with the district administration for effective channelisation and safe drainage of the lake. He has also instructed that precautionary measures be implemented to safeguard local residents. Additionally, the CM has ordered the administration to ensure essential supplies including food, cooking gas, medicines, petrol and diesel for those relocated to safer areas as well as for the residents of Syanachatti.
Suman stated that water is presently being released through one section of the river, although marshy terrain has hindered full-scale channelisation. He mentioned that relief and rescue teams are exploring alternative methods. He also appealed to the local people to remain calm and avoid falling prey to rumours. He confirmed that teams from SDRF, NDRF, Fire Services and the Irrigation Department have reached the ground zero site equipped with rafts to facilitate the operation.
Simultaneously, personnel from NDRF, SDRF, Police, Disaster Management and PWD are also stationed at the location to expedite the release of water from the lake. It may be recalled that this artificial lake was ostensibly formed due to debris accumulation in the Yamuna Valley. In addition, surveillance is being conducted across the region with the help of drones to continuously monitor the situation.
Yamunotri MLA Sanjay Dobal and Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya are present at the site, overseeing the operations. Teams from the Health, Revenue and Food Supplies Departments have also been deployed on ground zero to support the ongoing efforts.
All necessary efforts are being made by the administration to release water from the temporary lake formed in Syanachatti. The water level of the lake is gradually receding. Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya also reached the opposite bank of the lake with the help of a raft to speak with the residents of Syanachatti, assuring them that the lake would be opened soon and that all possible assistance would be provided. District Magistrate Prashant Arya has appealed to the residents of Syanachatti not to panic, assuring them that the lake water will be released shortly. He affirmed that all necessary safety protocols are being followed by the administration to ensure the protection and well-being of the local population.
